Escalante Days Mountain Bike Race ready to roll

Three courses, cash prizes available

Over the last 15 years, the Escalante Days Mountain Bike Race has become a popular cycling event for riders of all abilities.

Set to take place on Aug. 9, this year’s race will begin in Dolores and lead riders to Boggy Draw and beyond.

Three courses will be available for riders, including a 13-mile beginner course, 21-mile sport course and 35-mile expert course. Riders may compete with geared or single speed bikes.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in the Expert and Single Speed categories and non-cash prizes will be given to the top three finishers in the Beginner and Sport classes.

A cash prize will also be presented to the first rider to cross the first cattle guard at the top of the Dolores hill and $700 will be given to any rider who breaks Matt Shriver’s expert-course record of 1:53.54.

In addition, riders participating in the event will have a unique opportunity to experience the area’s scenic beauty in a monitored environment.

“It’s a rare opportunity to have a supported ride through the Boggy Draw area,” said race organizer Laurel Rematore. “We have course marshals and search and rescue available.”

While exactly how many riders will participate in this year’s race will not be determined until the morning of Aug. 9, many riders are expected to participate.

“We’ve had between 80 and 85 riders the last few years,” said Rematore. “We know we can accommodate a lot more.”

Proceeds from this year’s race will go the Dolores Rotary Club, which will use the funds to support a variety of programs in the area.

Among those programs is the Imagination Library program, which provides books to local young people.

Individuals interested in participating in this year’s race may pre-register by Aug. 6 at www.active.com or register the day of the race between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. in front of the Dolores Medical Office.

The early-registration fee is $35, and race day registration fees are $45.

For more information or questions regarding the race, contact Laurel Rematore at 970-529-4642.